Percocet Addiction Symptoms, Causes, Signs & Withdrawal Side Effects

Learn More About Percocet Addiction

When taken as intended, this drug works wonders for those who need it and allows such individuals to enjoy the relief they need to live their lives. However, because of the enticing high that this medication can induce when it’s misused, Percocet is also an alluring substance of abuse for those seeking to get high.

If you’re someone who has either taken Percocet outside of your doctor’s recommendation or are someone who came to misuse this medication in order to alter your state of mind, then you’re acquainted with how challenging it is to stop the abuse of this opioid. Especially if you’ve been abusing Percocet for a long time, the withdrawal and intoxicating effects that this painkiller can produce are typically enough to dissuade you from defeating your chemical dependence once and for all. However, once you’re ready to achieve sobriety, free yourself from the risks associated with Percocet abuse, and start treatment, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. With the support of a compassionate treatment team, you can once again enjoy a life that is no longer controlled by Percocet.

Statistics of Percocet Addiction

Nearly 0.4% of the population struggles with the abuse of Percocet and other opioids according to the DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, state that the rate of opioid overdose, which include overdoses caused by Percocet, has risen fourfold in women and nearly 300% among men. Lastly, and as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, the number of people who have died as a result of abusing opioids like Percocet has increased almost 300% since 1990.

Causes and Risk Factors for Percocet Abuse

As you reflect back on what led you to the abuse of Percocet, you may still be wondering why this sort of issue is affecting your life. To understand the causes and possible risk factors for Percocet abuse, take some time to read through the following research-supported concepts:

Genetic: If you have a first degree family member, such as a parent or sibling, who has also struggled with substance abuse, then you may be more susceptible to experiencing similar issues. The reason for this is because researchers have discovered certain genes that can make substance abuse, including the misuse of Percocet, more probable for some people and not others.

Environmental: If you know someone who has a prescription for Percocet and if you have easy access to his or her medication, you might be more likely to abuse this painkiller. Furthermore, if you have your own prescription for Percocet and don’t heed your doctor’s warnings pertaining to the proper use of it, you may also be at risk for misusing this drug. Lacking effective coping mechanisms, having subpar support, having a history of trauma, and/or having a history of abusing other types of drugs are all examples of how your environment can impact your decision to abuse Percocet or not.

Risk Factors:

• Having a family history of mental illness
• Possessing a novelty seeking personality
• Having an impulsive temperament
• Personal history of mental illness
• Being prescribed Percocet or otherwise having access to this medication
• Having a family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Prior substance abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Abuse

Depending on the severity of your Percocet abuse problem, the warning signs that you’re battling an addiction can be both obvious and not-so-obvious. To know for sure if you’ve developed an addiction to this medication, check to see if the following symptoms are impacting your life:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Social withdrawal
• Abusing Percocet when it is clearly dangerous to do so
• Taking Percocet in greater quantities
• Taking Percocet for a longer period of time than intended
• Trying to steal Percocet
• Abusing Percocet even after prior use has resulted in negative effects
• Attempting but being incapable of reducing one’s Percocet use

Physical symptoms:

• Weight changes
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Slurring speech
• Coordination problems
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet
• Sleep disturbances
• Breathing issues
• Exhaustion
• Slowed heart rate

Cognitive symptoms:

• Inability to focus
• Poor concentration
• Problems with memory
• Poor decision making

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Anger
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Mood swings

Effects of Percocet Abuse

When you participate in an addiction treatment program, your life will certainly change for the better. Conversely, when you remain trapped in the insidious cycle of Percocet abuse, the following are likely to impact your life and compromise your ability to live a happy and healthy existence:

• Suicidal ideation
• Suicide attempts
• Development or exacerbation of co-occurring mental health problems
• Financial ruin
• Legal problems
• Strained relationships
• Damage to heart
• Eye problems
• Job loss
• Chronic unemployment
• Lung damage
• Family discord
• Social withdrawal
• Homelessness
• Sexual dysfunction

Learn About Co-Occurring Disorders

All too often, mental health issues that are untreated can compromise a person’s ability to defeat a Percocet abuse problem. Because of this, it’s important to consider an addiction program that is equipped to treat your addiction and the following co-occurring illnesses at the same time:

• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depressive disorders
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Other substance use disorders

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose for Percocet Abuse

Effects of Percocet withdrawal: Withdrawal is something that can trigger you to use Percocet over and over again. Because the following symptoms can be exceptionally overwhelming and uncomfortable, you must consider professional treatment if you want to overcome your addiction:

• Excessive sweating
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Elevated body temperature
• Watery eyes
• Dysphoria
• Powerful cravings for Percocet
• Runny nose
• Pupillary dilation
• Twitches and tremors

Effects of Percocet overdose: Overdose can be an unfortunate consequence of Percocet abuse. Therefore, if any of the following happen to you after you’ve misused this medication, it’s important that you get emergency medical help as soon as possible to prevent a grave outcome:

• Slurring speech
• Shallow or labored breathing
• Memory loss
• Slowed heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Coma
• Abdominal cramping